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Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe

4.7 from 745 reviews

Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, aromatic rice, and zesty salsa verde, all melted together with a generous topping of cheese. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of savory and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup salsa verde (green tomatillo salsa)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add Rice and Salsa Verde: Stir the rinsed rice into the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Top with Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes. Once melted, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the chicken.
  • Use brown rice for a healthier alternative, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes.
  • If salsa verde is not available, substitute with green enchilada sauce or a mix of tomatillos and green chilies.
  • This dish can be garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.

Keywords: Salsa Verde Chicken, Chicken Rice Skillet, One-Pan Dinner, Quick Mexican Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner